Ambitious West Ham plot Lacazette move

The Hammers are keen to secure a marquee signing this summer, and have subsequently identified the Lyon forward and France international as a potential recruit

West Ham are lining up a summer move for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, Goal can confirm.

The Hammers have started talks with Lacazette’s representatives as they attempt to recruit a marquee forward ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium next season.

Lacazette has scored 89 goals in 228 games for Lyon since making his senior breakthrough in 2010, and has netted 20 times in all competitions this term.

Barcelona have also reportedly taken an interest in the France international, who has been reported to have an asking price of around €35 million, as they attempt to add back-up to the fabled forward trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

However, West Ham have been emboldened by initial negotiations with Lacazette’s advisors and there is understood to be a growing confidence in a deal being struck.

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Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old, with Lacazette previously said to prefer a move to a Champions League club.

However, sources have now revealed to Goal that the player’s stance has softened, and the Hammers are hopeful they can secure their man.

Lacazette is understood to have begun English lessons as a potential Premier League move nears, while Lyon have already lined up Toulouse forward Wissam Ben Yedder as a possible replacement.

West Ham’s ambitious owners David Gold and David Sullivan are casting their net far and wide as they attempt to secure forward reinforcements, with the likes of Michy Batshuayi and Daniel Sturridge also linked to the club.

Manager Slaven Bilic is understood to be happy with the squad currently at his disposal, having guided the club to fifth in the table, five points behind the Champions League spots, but is keen to recruit from a position of strength.